Yesterday we met up with the new embryologist . The old one left in the fall and we were not communicated the change by the clinic but by the crazy urologist we have seen. He had recommended we go over our results with her so that she knows we are a bit of a complicated case.

The same crazy urologist was also the one to suggest we change gynecologist. He had given us a list of four doctors but we we weren’t sure we had picked the right one. So my hubby decided to ask the embryologist yesterday. She of course told us that she couldn’t say anything. But then she smiled and said she thought we had made a good choice. Yey, that’s quite a relief!

After getting that settled, we started looking at results and had chances to ask questions. The embryologist was really, nice, efficient and patient. So it looks like we have a plan for the next IVF.

IMSI vs ICSIFor those who do not know, IMSI and ICSI are some advanced IVF techniques in which the sperm is directly injected in the eggs. They are used when the sperm has certain problems, which in our case is weird shape, so that there are more chances to have embryos. The difference between IMSI and ICSI is that with IMSI the sperm is selected looking a it with a super powerful microscope. This helps find the sperm with the best shape.
While the old gynecologist seemed to be all for IMSI, the new one and the urologist are all for ICSI. The embryologist explained that there is inconclusive evidence on IMSI which is why some doctors are against it. After looking at results and considering that we have never tried ICSI, she suggested we go ahead with ICSI as the gynecologist suggested. So ICSI it is.

Bambi eyes and decision makingLast time I think my gynecologist should not have transferred anything after IVF because I was too sick on hyperstimulation. In the moment of deciding I had probably not helped with my Bambi eyes. The problem is, the doctor is the one who should make the decision, and not a patient who is in pain, completely emotional and pumped up in hormones. So the embryologist said she’ll make sure to vitrify the embryos if I’m in hyperstimulation no matter Bambi eyes or tears.

Communication and team building
One concern with old gynecologist was that there was hardly any communication with the lab, which was also the fault of the old embryologist, who was not too into communication. The embryologist ensured she communicates well and especially with the gynecologist we have chosen. That’s a relief.

3- vs 5-day transferSo far we’ve gone for 5-day transfers. The reason for it being mostly that I was in hyperstimulation. A 5 day transfer also helps the embryologist better understand the development of the embryos and thus the quality of our eggs and sperm. Transferring at day 5 also implies higher chances normally. But it didn’t work for us. So everyone agrees we go for the 3-day culture for the embryos and, if I’m on hyperstimulation, she will vitrify at day 3 and we’ll do a cycle later on just for the transfer.

So, we both feel a lot better about the new situation and our choice. We now have a team of two young ladies. Let’s see what girl power can do!

That’s good that you have a clear game plan laid out. And I’ve started to think that the day 3 vs. day 5 is really something that should be decided on a case-by-case basis – I don’t think one is universally better than the other. Your reasoning sounds pretty good to me.